The Mitre Impel Training Footballs are probably the best selling training balls in the UK. They are reliable, great looking and very affordable, which makes them the no.1 choice for schools and football clubs. The Mitre Impel football is available in a range of sizes including size 2, 3, 4 and 5.
There are now a large number of colours available from Mitre and these are updated regularly. The latest model (launched in 2024) has some great colourways, some of which can be seen below. Also the variety of colours available, make it the ideal football to have a different coloured ball for specific ages – such as the white ball in size 5 and orange in size 4. Particularly useful if more ages use size 5 footballs one evening, then having a different coloured balls is worth considering. Of course, this helps when gathering the balls at the end of the session and ensures sizes aren’t mixed too.
Is The New 2024 Mitre Impel One As Good As The Older Models?
The video below is my review of the older 2023 Mitre Impel football. In previous years, however much I liked the quality of the ball, I really couldn’t warm to the basic graphics. The NEW 2024 Mitre Impel One Footballs has addressed this issue. It must be said I am now a big fan of the new style graphics and colourways. Mitre also changed the panel design and have now rolled out the 6 panel versions across the range. Furthermore these panels come with built in moulded grooves too.
After extensive testing, Mitre found that the new 6 panel design increased the durability of the ball by around 10%. Thus, making the ball better value for money for clubs and schools. Likewise the 2024 Mitre Impel model is suitable for use on grass and astro surfaces. Mitre have also added a few new exciting colours to the range too.



The new graphics on the latest Mitre Impel, are streets ahead of the previous version. Mitre now have a fantastic looking Impel training football which is suitable for both youth and adult football. The number of good quality training footballs available today is quite extensive so, having standout graphics and colours is a must.
This video was created by Stu a couple of years ago, we aim to shoot a new one this year with the new 2024 model. We are awaiting some samples to be sent through from Mitre to test further. I have seen the new model and love the feel and new graphics. I think the moulded groove and 6 panel design will prove popular too.
What Is The Best Football For Heading Practice?
Young players love the soft touch outer layer. But it is also is a must for older groups too. Especially those who are permitted to head the ball in training. The restrictions on heading the ball is likely to get tougher over the next few years so a softer touch ball is perfect. Long gone are the days of players warming up and training with a heavy laced leather ball. I recall my father giving me heading practice with an old style leather ball and complaining that I seemed to have a retractable head. Heading the football hurt if the laces made contact with your forehead. It could also leave an imprint that lasted for hours.
Luckily young players do not have to go through the pain and stress of heading, mainly because the balls are much lighter and softer. But also in part due to The FA trying to ban heading, up to a certain age.
5 Reasons To Buy A Mitre Impel One Training Football
- The Mitre Impel One training football is 10% more durable than the 2023 Mitre Impel football
- Great choice of sizes available – size 3, 4 and 5 so suitable for ages 6 through to adult
- Premium feel without the high price point – Constructed with soft touch foam and moulded grooves, ensuring consistent flight and reliability
- At least 7 amazing colour choices so each squad can have their own favourite colour
- The Mitre Impel One is suitable for both grass and astro – making this the UK’s most popular training football
What Sizes Are The Mitre Impel Training Footballs Available In?
The Mitre Impel training football is currently available in size 2 (midi), Size 3, 4 and 5. The midi size ball is suitable for ages 3 to 6 years. Size 3 is for ages 6 to 9. Size 4 is for ages 9 to 14 and size 5 is for ages 14 and above. A couple of years ago the sizes/ages were updated so worth checking on the FA or FIFA website for current information. Check out the latest football size guide here



All Mitre Impels now have a textured surface, to improve control. As already mentioned, the new model also has a moulded groove which is designed to improve flight and control. Footballs with a textured surface are my favourite, as they are visually more appealing.
Graphics and colour availability | 9/10 |
Size available – Size 3, 4 and 5 | 10/10 |
Weight and feel of the Mitre Impel | 8/10 |
Affordability | 10/10 |
Grip/Control | 8/10 |
Overall rating of the Mitre Calcio Max | 9/10 |
Is The Mitre Impel The Same Quality As The Mitre Calcio Football?
A couple of years ago Mitre reintroduced the Calcio brand name to the football market. This brand name has been used with various qualities of ball but at this time the Calcio is exactly the same quality as the Impel. However, from 2024 there are a few differences in the graphics and panel construction. The new Calcio One has a 30 panel design and the Impel One has 6 panels. The graphics are very different too which is a good move in my opinion.
Some retailers with physical stores were able to sell the Calcio ball exclusively. Qualifying online retailers are now able to sell the Calcio Football too. The 2024 Mitre Calcio One review is pending however we have one on the Mitre Calcio Max Training Football, now known as the Mitre Calcio Evo.
If you need more help with your training football purchase, please take a look at our ultimate football buying guide. Match quality footballs are more expensive than training footballs, it may be the shocking hidden costs that are inflating the rrp.